US Hampton Roads coal exports at near four-year high

[CMOP + 227]

Coal exports from terminals in Virginia's Hampton Roads region were at a near four-year high 3.83 million st in March, up 8% from 3.55 million st in February and 15.1% higher than the year-ago month.

It was the highest monthly total since 3.99 million st was exported in April 2014.

Exports continue to rise as global seaborne prices show strength, which creates more opportunities for US coal as buyers seek less-expensive alternatives.
 

[Hajga Loma DK + 47]

rare happy story for coal

[John Foote + 1,135]

I think a Temporary blip because China ordered cutbacks in their coal production. But in terms of total BTUs, coal still matters. Just in a long slow decline. and has been for a long time. The Irish probably still burn peat. 

[Guillaume Albasini + 851]

As US coal consumption is falling (-2,4% in 2017) to the lowest level in 4 decades, there is more coal available for exports. But export markets are also shrinking as the main users of coal (China and India) are shifting from coal to gas and renewables.

[ceo_energemsier + 1,818]

On 5/24/2018 at 12:54 AM, Guillaume Albasini said:

As US coal consumption is falling (-2,4% in 2017) to the lowest level in 4 decades, there is more coal available for exports. But export markets are also shrinking as the main users of coal (China and India) are shifting from coal to gas and renewables.

China and India's coal demand is growing, India has a power supply crunch and a shortage of coal and they are expanding use of coal. China is diversifying their energy mix, however, coal will remain a major part of the energy generation resources.

[John Foote + 1,135]

China has a massive air quality issue, but have no choice on coal. They are also shutting down some of their mines, but had no choice but to reopen some. India has coal and pretty have to use it. Coal will be a part of the global mix a 100 years from now. But it's footprint will continue to shrink.